National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Department of Interior. We are a public-private partnership between the BLM, the National Historic Trails Center Foundation, and the City of Casper, Wyoming.
The Trails Center commemorates Native American history, early explorers, and the travel corridor of the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trails, as well as the Bridger and Bozeman trails through hands-on, interactive exhibits, multi-media programs, and virtual education opportunities.
Virtual interpretive programming and visits to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center are free!
The Mission of the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center:
The NHTIC interprets the significant role of the area’s historic trails in the history of the U.S. by providing exceptional visitor, educational, and volunteer programs. NHTIC staff seeks to promote public understanding of both America’s western native cultures and historic westward expansion while highlighting the BLM’s role as active stewards of public lands.
For more information about the trails as well as a link for a downloadable map, please click here
Hours
Hours
Open seven days a week: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Trails Center is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
For current information call (307) 261-7700.
Admission is FREE!
Events
Winter Programs
November 30: Gratitude Celebration - Celebrate your ancestors by sharing stories and photos at this family-friendly event. Guests are invited to bring photocopies of historic family portraits to fill our "Ancestor Board" and share stories with our volunteers to build our collective memory. Guests are also invited to spend time with friends and family playing pioneer games and listening to live music and presentations.
- Live Music by Buffalo Bill Boycott and Dr. Jo (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
- Presentation of "Tragedy and Triumph on October 19, 1856" by volunteer LeAnn Smith (1 p.m.)
- Pioneer family games (all day)
December 14: Holiday on the Homestead - Celebrate the holidays with family and friends at our annual "Holiday on the Homestead" event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Live Performances and Presentations
- Live pioneer music by the Merchant Family - 10-10:45 a.m.
- Singing and dancing with the Big Horn Basque Club – 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- Live hand bell performance by the Phoenix Ringers – 1-1:45 p.m.
- Military Encampment - Join living historians as they portray military life on the frontier (all day)
- Seymour Antelope - Hang out and have your photo taken with the Bureau of Land Management’s mascot, Seymour Antelope (all day)
Hands-on Activities
- Snowflake making – design a one-of-a-kind snowflake to hang on the lobby wall;
- Cookie decorating – frost your own tasty holiday cookies;
- Ornament making – craft a snowflake with various knots or a holiday tree with wood and fabric;
- Ribbon bow making – create a bow out of ribbon to place in your hair;
- Knot tying – learn knots and enter a special drawing for prizes;
- Pony Express letters to Santa – write a letter and watch as the Pony Express rides off on horseback to deliver it to Santa;
- Prairie Sweet Shop – enjoy Dutch-oven dipped treats.
Youth Programs
Storytime with Seymour Antelope: 10 a.m.
Join the BLM's mascot, Seymour Antelope, on the second Tuesday of each month for stories and snacks at the Trails Center.
- October 8
- November 12
Pioneer Trail Treks**
Pioneer Trail Treks have concluded for the season. Stay tuned for our lineup of Summer 2025 Treks!
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Trail Treks** Know Before You Go – All trail treks depart at 8:00 a.m. from the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center parking lot: 1501 North Poplar, Casper, WY - unless otherwise noted.
Please bring sack lunches, drinks, sunscreen, and wear appropriate clothing and apparel. Be prepared for inclement weather throughout the day. Transportation to these sites will not be provided and carpooling is encouraged! 4-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles are recommended.
Registration is required to participate! For more information and/or to register for any trail trek, please contact Jason Vlcan at 307-261-7783.
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Volunteer
Volunteers at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center contribute close to 5,000 hours of time towards furthering the mission of the center and the BLM. We welcome volunteers and the breadth of experience they bring to the daily operations of the NHTIC.
There is a volunteer opportunity for everyone! Contact the Center at (307) 261-7700 for more information.
For additional volunteer opportunities with the BLM and other federal agencies, check out volunteer.gov.
Contact Us
Phone
307-261-7700
Contact
blm_wy_trailscenter@blm.gov
Address
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
1501 North Poplar Street
Casper, WY 82601
Directions
The Trails Center is located off Interstate 25 North of exit 189, or East of exit 190
Education
Educational Resources
For a wealth of resources on the trails, including maps, FAQs, basic facts, teaching trunks, and more, please see our Educational Resources page.
NHTIC Photos
